Ride Leader Guidelines

1. The ride leader should be at the meeting place 30 minutes before the assigned time. Rides should start on time.

2. US CPSC approved helmets are mandatory on all rides.

3. Familiarize yourself with the route and road conditions before the ride.

4. If you cannot lead the ride, locate a substitute. The substitute leader is to be provided with cue sheets. If you don’t arrange for a substitute before the date of the ride you should be able to locate a substitute at the meeting place.

5. In the event of rain, at the ride leader’s discretion, email a cancelation notice at least 90 minutes before the ride start.

6. Ask if there are any new riders before the formal briefing and explain the procedure for signing the ride Sign-up/Waiver Form and general description of the ride. It may be useful to ask about their group riding experience and to evaluate it in respect to the ride.

8. Before starting the ride it is customary to have a short briefing. This could include:

Introduce yourself as the Ride Leader and ask for and introduce any sweep riders.

Verify that all the riders have signed the ride Sign-up/Waiver Form and they have cue sheets.

Explain your policy on keeping track of riders. Tell riders they should notify the leader or another rider before abandoning the ride. This will help keep track of all riders and prevent unnecessary searching/ concern by the leader/group.

Advise the participants that each rider is responsible for their own safety.

Mention re-grouping points, and the riders responsibility to follow the cue sheets.

Suggest that riders without a pump, patch kit, spare tube, or the knowledge to fix a flat; ride with someone who can assist them. Encourage riders to be prepared for flats on future rides.

Advise the participants of the following rules of the road:

-Obey all traffic laws, including stopping at all stop signs and signal lights.

-Riders should not obstruct traffic, particularly at re-grouping points.

-Riders should point out road hazards to others riding behind.

-Riders should pass slower riders on the left, and warn others when passing with a friendly “Passing on your left” or “Good morning” and do not pass on the right.

-Riders should use hand signals or verbal signals when stopping or turning. Demonstrate signals for slowing/stopping, left turn, right turn.

9. Suggest that new riders find a riding buddy for the ride.

10. Ask, “Does anyone have any questions.”

11. Make every effort to keep track of riders: count at re-grouping spots, and assign a sweep person to stay behind with slower riders. In the event of a mechanical problem, send a car back or get assurance that they can arrange transportation.

13. Ride leaders should carry a small first aid kit (band aids, antiseptic wipes, Neosporin), tools for changing/patching a flat and minor repairs.

14. Carry the ride Sign-up/Waiver Form with you. The emergency phone numbers are important.

Ride leaders should use these guidelines as a basis for their rides. Each ride may be led differently at the leader’s discretion. Try to recruit more ride leaders to ensure a variety of routes to ride.